It was only the Chicago White Sox but you have to start winning somewhere. But maybe not so fast. While the Yankees dropped 5 straight before limping into Chitown yesterday, these White Sox were on a 4 game streak in the opposite direction. They swept a three game set from the Tampa Rays — something the Yankees have not figured out how to do yet. Thanks to moving a few star players in recent years, they’ve restocked their farm system and the kids are starting to show their stuff. If the trend continues, the White Sox will be AL Central contenders before you know it.
The Big Man vs The ChiSox
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CC Sabathia (6-4, 3.59 ERA) ($7,400) is not yet repeating the success he enjoyed in the 2017 season, but then again the entire club is scuffling on one level or another. Thanks to Chicago’s recent roster turnover, sample sizes of the current lineup against Sabathia are scant, despite the years of being in the same league (and division) as the Pale Hose.
Sabathia should watch out for shortstop Tim Anderson ($4,100), who sees CC well albeit in a minute sample, but has been swinging a hot bat as of late.
Reynaldo Lopez vs The Yankees
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The right-handed Lopez (4-9, 4.47 ERA) ($5,500), a native of San Pedro de Macorís in the Dominican Republic, was selected by the Washington Nationals in the 2012 International Amateur draft. He made his MLB debut on July 19, 2016, and pitched to a 5-3 record with a 4.91 ERA over 11 appearances (including 6 starts). On December 7, 2016 he was traded to the White Sox in exchange for Lucas Giolito and Dane Dunning. After an up and down 2017 campaign with Chicago, he earned a spot in the 2018 starting rotation.
Lopez’s arsenal features a blazing four-seam fastball that tops 95mph, an 85 mph slider and similar speed change up. His breaking ball is in the high 70s, and he will toss a hard sinker that also tops out around 95 mph. He is yet to face anyone on the Yankees current roster with the exception of Giancarlo Stqnton, who walked in his one at-bat against him.
Look for shortstop Didi Gregorius ($4,800) to come up big tonight, and also Aaron Hicks ($4,700) who is overdue for a bust out game.
The Wise Guys
The over/under is a stingy 7 tonight, and New York is a slight favorite to win the game straight up, with the moneyline at +190 Chicago. Of the Yankees last 7 games on the road, the scoring total has gone over 5 times.
Remember this is for speculation only, not meant to be taken as gospel. And don’t forget to double-check your lineup(s) just prior to game time as the weather may create havoc for you. We exist under the manta that “You can’t predict baseball” but it’s fun trying. Good luck with your lineup and let’s go Yankees!
